If you’re unfamiliar with the Gili Islands, there are three: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. Gili Trawangan, commonly referred to as Gili T, is the largest and most popular of the three. After spending a month in Bali, I can confidently say that the highlight of my trip was my time on Gili Trawangan. I extended my stay three times—I simply couldn’t bring myself to leave! Keep reading to plan your perfect trip to Gili T.
- Why you Should Visit Gili Trawangan
- The Perfect Balance Between Relaxation and Partying
- How to Get to Gili Trawangan
- Accommodation Recommendations
- Restaurant Suggestions
- Top Attractions and Activities
- Other Important Information About Bali
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Why You Should Visit Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan offers a unique experience that’s a world apart from Bali. Here’s why:
Smaller and More Manageable: While technically, you could cycle around the entire island in about 45 minutes, the sandy paths make it a bit challenging. But the small size means you can explore it at your own pace without feeling rushed.
A Greener, Quieter Environment: Gili T has no motorized vehicles—no cars, no motorbikes. The only ways to get around are by walking, cycling, or horse-drawn carriage (locally known as “cidomo”). This absence of engines creates a peaceful atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Natural Exercise: You’ll find yourself naturally more active, whether you’re walking along the beach or cycling through the island’s paths. It’s a refreshing change from the hustle of city life, making you feel healthier and more connected to your surroundings.
Undisturbed Peace: Unlike Bali’s busy beaches, where you’re constantly approached by vendors, Gili Trawangan offers tranquility. You can relax on the beach without interruptions, and many spots provide free bean bags and chairs for you to use.
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The Perfect Balance Between Relaxation and Partying
Gili Trawangan offers the best of both worlds, with its island divided into two distinct sides: the Sunrise Side and the Sunset Side.
Sunrise Side: This is where the action happens. You’ll find shops, restaurants, cafes, activity stands, bars, and clubs. If you’re looking to party day and night, this is the place to be.
Sunset Side: This side is much calmer and less crowded. It’s the perfect spot to catch a breathtaking sunset and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Given the island’s small size, it’s easy to switch between these two vibes. It only takes about 15 minutes to bike from one side to the other. If you prefer a tranquil environment to wake up and sleep in, I recommend staying on the Sunset Side. You can always bike to the Sunrise Side when you’re ready for some action.
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How to Get to Gili Trawangan
The quickest and most convenient way to get to Gili T from Bali is by fast boat, with departures from either Padang Bai or Sanur Beach Port.
Padang Bai: The journey from Padang Bai to Gili T takes between 1 hour and 15 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the boat. A one-way trip costs around 325,000 Indonesian Rupiah (about 30 Canadian Dollars). Round-trip tickets are typically double the price.
Sanur: Departing from Sanur Beach Port is not recommended as it takes the entire day to reach Gili T, and the price is the same as from Padang Bai.
Pro Tip – Head to Padang Bai and negotiate with the ticket sellers. You can often get a deal. I managed to secure a round-trip ticket for 600,000 Rupiah, which included the flexibility to change my return date and a free transfer to my hotel in Seminyak (a 2-hour drive). It was a great value for the price.
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Accommodation Recommendations
Léonie and I (Jezabel) have both visited Gili Trawangan, and we absolutely loved it! Interestingly, we visited separately—during my trip, I stayed in hotels, while Léonie opted for hostels. Despite our different choices, we were both delighted with our accommodations and are excited to recommend them to you.
Royal Regantris Trawangan
This hotel was truly exceptional! The pool was a highlight, and breakfast was included, making for a convenient and relaxing start to the day. The hotel also hosts movie nights, and the beach in front of the property is wonderfully serene. Located on the Sunset Side of the island, it’s incredibly peaceful. I visited in January, during the so-called “rainy season,” but experienced no rain at all. This might explain why the hotel was so quiet during my stay. While it may be busier in the high season, it’s likely still more tranquil than accommodations on the more bustling Sunrise Side.
Tipsea Turtle TRawangan Rooftop Hostel
I had such a great stay at this hostel. The proximity to the beach and the port (a 5-minute walk) was definitely a highlight. The free breakfast was delicious, and the common area, with its pool and hammocks, is perfect for relaxing during the hot days. Despite being close to the island’s busy areas, there was no noise at night. The rooms were comfortable, with curtains for each bed and air conditioning, and the bathrooms were quite clean. Overall, if you’re looking for a quieter option on Gili Trawangan that still offers some social activities at night without getting too wild, this hostel is a great choice.
Mad Monkey Gili Trawangan Hostel
Mad Monkey Hostels are well-known for being the ultimate party hostels in Southeast Asia. If you’re looking for happy hours, pool parties, drinking games, or simply want to meet new people, this hostel is definitely the place to be. It also offers beach access and has a super friendly staff, but keep in mind that it’s located a bit farther away from the bustling areas (about a 15-20 minute walk). However, be prepared for loud music until late at night, so if you’re hoping to get an early night’s sleep, this might not be the best option for you.
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Restaurant Suggestions
When we visited Bali, documenting our food experiences wasn’t our main focus. However, we did enjoy some incredible meals that stood out during our trip. Here are a few restaurants we loved:
Pearl Beach Lounge
This place holds a special place in my (Jezabel) heart. Not only did I enjoy fantastic food, but I also made amazing memories with friends I met during my stay. I returned 3 to 4 times in less than a week! The setting is beautiful, with options to sit on the beach or in the restaurant itself. The menu offers a wide range of dishes, from fresh seafood to international cuisine, all at reasonable prices. The atmosphere is relaxed and perfect for a leisurely meal with a view. It’s a lovely spot that I would recommend to anyone.
Kayu Café
We discovered Kayu Café through social media, and it did not disappoint. I had the Smoked Salmon English Muffin, and it was simply amazing! The café has a cozy, welcoming vibe with a menu full of healthy options, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Coffee & Thyme
I (Leonie) cannot recommend this café enough. I went there every day for a week because the food was so good, and the prices were very reasonable. The staff is lovely, and they even gave me free drinks because I visited so often. I tried almost everything on the menu, from the sandwiches to the pasta, but I highly recommend the Chicken-Avocado Sandwich. The atmosphere is warm, making it the perfect place to work on your laptop or watch a Netflix series while enjoying your meal.
Hellocapitano Lifestyle Café
Their smoothie bowls were simply amazing. They had so many healthy options – their Leila Bowl was my favorite. The café is very “instamagrable” and the atmosphere there is cozy and colorful. Prices are mid-range, making it a great spot for a delicious breakfast or lunch.
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Top Attractions and Activities
Gili Trawangan offers a diverse range of activities that cater to every type of traveler—from adventure seekers to those looking to relax and unwind. Whether you’re into water sports, exploring the island’s vibrant nightlife, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, there’s something for everyone.
Here are a few must-do activities:
- Snorkeling and Diving
- Sunset Watching
- Cycling Around the Island
- Island Hopping
- Nightlife and Beach Parties
For a more detailed look at these activities and many more, be sure to check out my full article on 9 Of the Best Things To do in Gili Trawangan, Bali. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your perfect adventure on the island!
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Other Important Information About Bali
Since most people visit Gili Trawangan as part of a broader trip to Bali, there’s essential information you should know that also applies to the main island. To learn more about the best time to visit, local culture and etiquette, currency and payments, safety and health, visa requirements, and travel insurance, make sure to check out the Bali Travel Guide.
What’s Next?
Now that you know everything about Gili Trawangan, it’s time to plan your trip! Here are some articles that could be helpful :
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